Oh! who can tell the anguish of my soul, during this dreadful, dreadful night!" Other similar ejaculations of love and joy she uttered; and if I HAD perilled life in her service, if I DID believe that hope of escape there was none, so exquisite was the moment of our meeting, that I forgot all else in this overwhelming joy! ***** [The Major's description of this meeting, which lasted at the very most not ten seconds, occupies thirteen pages of writing.

We have been compelled to dock off twelve and a half; for the whole passage, though highly creditable to his feelings, might possibly be tedious to the reader.] ***** As I said, the ladies and gentlemen were inclined to sneer, and were giggling audibly.

I led the dear girl to a chair, and, scowling round with a tremendous fierceness, which those who know me know I can sometimes put on, I shouted out, "Hark ye men and women--I am this lady's truest knight--her husband I hope one day to be.

I am commander, too, in this fort--the enemy is without it; another word of mockery--another glance of scorn--and, by heaven, I will hurl every man and woman from the battlements, a prey to the ruffianly Holkar!" This quieted them.

I am a man of my word, and none of them stirred or looked disrespectfully from that moment.
It was now MY turn to make THEM look foolish.